The agent of Destiny Udogie believes Italian clubs cannot afford the defender, while he gave his thoughts on Igli Tare’s move to AC Milan.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier in the week that Tare is already beginning to plan his moves for the summer and that – if Theo Hernandez leaves Milanello – a name to follow for the left flank is Udogie.
Tare had already thought about him when he was at Lazio, but Spurs had greater financial strength and pulled off the coup. Now the former Udinese player will once again become a target for the Albanian, while waiting to see how much Spurs want.
Udogie’s agent Stefano Antonelli spoke exclusively to TuttoMercatoWeb.com to reflect upon Spurs’ Europa League win, which several of his clients were a part of, including Udogie.
Udogie has grown a lot in the Premier League…
“Destiny has had a year, like all of Tottenham, with a few more injuries, with a few ups and downs, but now he’s fine, he got this great victory, now he’ll think about the national team and next season. It’s the second year of an incredible experience at Tottenham, where he’s always played.
“Talking about vertical growth is absolutely in line with reality. He’s a player who could play in all the top European clubs. With the Champions League, next season will be completely different.”
What kind of relationship was created with Postecoglou?
“When the first year arrived, we knew there could be a question mark. We were very careful to check whether it was the case to stay at Tottenham or whether it was the case to gain experience elsewhere.
“Not in smaller teams, because in the Premier League there are no smaller teams, but perhaps in teams like Crystal Palace or Bournemouth. Instead, from the very first friendly of the first preseason, Postecoglou has always shown him great faith: if Destiny is well, he plays. He can only thank him for everything he has done and for the esteem he has shown him.”
Will you think about his future? There are rumours from Italy about his return, with Milan possibly being interested…
“The transfer market is always open in all directions. Now I challenge anyone to go and buy Udogie from Tottenham for a figure less than 50 million euros. Which Italian team can do it lightly?
“In Italy, many players have arrived from the Premier League who have done not well, but very well, look at Anguissa, Lukaku, Tomori, to name a few. McTominay is a player in another category. Players who perhaps had little space in England: how can you think of going and getting a Tottenham regular?
“Something special has to happen for the club to let him go. Translated: either a large financial sum, or because he is not part of the technical plans. As of today, it seems to me that I can exclude the second hypothesis.”
What do you think about the imminent arrival of Igli Tare at Milan as sporting director?
“He is a man of football. This makes the difference: he knows the Italian football system perfectly, but he is also linked to those who are the greats of world football. For me he will do very well if he is the chosen one. As he did at Lazio.
“Milan need football people, people who have lived football and who live it, from the pitch to the desk. He is one of these. It is clear that we got here with an incredible soap opera: some people will talk about alternatives, but the pitch will provide the answers and I am convinced that he will do well.”
